Bracelets and methods of assembling such

ABSTRACT

A method of assembling a bracelet is provided. The method includes providing a display member having a first end, a second end, and at least two openings defined therein. The method further includes providing at least one band having a first end and a second end. The method also includes coupling the at least one band to the display member such that one end of the band is inserted into each of the at least two openings and such that a loop is formed around the second end of the display member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to jewelry and more specifically, to bracelets and methods of assembling such.

Over the years, stories providing lessons have been passed down through the generations. For example, in one such story, a young child tied a string around one of their fingers to remind themselves of something that they should not forget. Over time, many of such stories and their lessons have evolved. Today, jewelry, such as bracelets, displaying a multitude of slogans, advertisements, and ornamentation are commercially available. For example, one well known bicyclist sponsors the commercial sale of rubber bracelets that display a slogan that the bicyclist wants to keep in the forefront of people's minds. Other individuals have been known to wear a rubber band around their wrist as a reminder of something they should or should not forget.

While wearing such jewelry, in particular bracelets having elastic qualities, at least some individuals may pull a portion of the bracelet or rubber band away from their wrist and let the rubber band snap against their wrist. For example, some individuals may snap the bracelets as a nervous habit, while others may snap the bracelet as a reminder to stay focused and to prevent their minds from wandering. However, over time, the stretchable portions of such bracelets may break, wear out, or lose their stretchable characteristics. Moreover, depending on the circumstances, the individual may want to display different indicia. As such, to display different indicia, or once the stretchable portions of such bracelets have lost their stretchable properties and/or have broken, generally the user must buy a second bracelet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a method of assembling a bracelet is provided. The method includes providing a display member having a first end, a second end, and at least two openings defined therein. The method further includes providing at least one band having a first end and a second end. The method also includes coupling the at least one band to the display member such that one end of the band is inserted into each of the at least two openings and such that a loop is formed around the second end of the display member.

In a further embodiment, a method of assembling a bracelet is provided. The method includes providing a display member having a first end, a second end, and at least two openings defined therein, and providing at least one band having a first end and a second end. The method further includes coupling the at least one band to the display member such that one end of the band is inserted into one of the at least two openings and the other end of the band is inserted into a second of the at least two openings.

In another embodiment, a bracelet assembly is provided. The bracelet assembly includes a display member including a body extending from a first end to an opposite second end. The body includes at least two openings defined therein. The bracelet assembly further includes at least one band including a first end and a second end. The at least one band is configured to be coupled to the display member such that one of the band first and second ends is inserted into each of the at least two openings and such that a loop is formed around the display member second end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary bracelet assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary display member that may be used with the bracelet assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary band that be used with the bracelet assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partially assembled view of the bracelet assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an assembled view of the bracelet assembly shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the bracelet assembly shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described below in reference to its application in connection with a bracelet assembly including a looped band as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a bracelet assembly 100, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a display member 102 used with bracelet assembly 100. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary band 104 used with bracelet assembly 100. FIG. 4 is a partially assembled view of bracelet assembly 100.

In the exemplary embodiment, member 102 includes a body 101 that is substantially rectangular having four corners 106, 108, 110, and 112 connected together by four sides 114, 116, 118, and 120. Alternatively, body 101 may be formed with an non-rectangular shape. Member 102 has a length L₁ defined between opposite sides 116 and 120, a height H₁ defined between opposite sides 114 and 118, and has a thickness T₁ defined between an outer face 122 and an opposite inner face 124. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, assembly 100, display member 102, and band 104 may have any suitable size, shape and/or configuration that enables assembly 100 to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, display member 102 includes a raised border 126 that extends outward from outer surface 122 along each side 114, 116, 118, and 120. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, border 126 substantially circumscribes outer surface 122. Alternatively, display member 102 does not include border 126. In the exemplary embodiment, display member 102 is fabricated from a metallic material. Alternatively, display member 102 may be fabricated from any material that enables bracelet assembly 100 to function as described herein, such as, but not limited to, a plastic material, a composite material, and/or a paper material. In an alternative embodiment, display member 102 is fabricated from a plurality of layers that provide structural strength to member 102.

Display member 102 includes at least two openings 130 and 132 defined therein. In an alternative embodiment, display member 102 includes any number of openings 130 and 132 that enables bracelet assembly 100 to function as described herein. Openings 130 and 132 are separated by a distance L₂. In the exemplary embodiment, openings 130 and 132 each include a substantially circular portion 133 and 135, and a slotted portion 139, respectively. Alternatively, at least one of openings 130 and/or 132 includes only circular portion 133 or 135. In another embodiment, at least one opening 130 and/or 132 only includes slotted portion 139.

In the exemplary embodiment, opening 130 is positioned proximate side 120, and opening 132 is positioned proximate side 116. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, openings 130 and 132 are positioned a distance L₃ from side 114, and a distance L₄ from side 118, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, distances L₃ and L₄ are approximately equal. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, each portion 133 and 135 has a diameter D₁. Alternatively, one portion 133 or 135 has a larger diameter than the other portion 133 or 135. In another embodiment, at least one of portions 133 or 135 is non-circular. In an alternative embodiment, openings 130 and 132 may have any suitable size, shape, orientation, and/or configuration that enables bracelet assembly 100 to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, display member 102 also includes a raised border 134 that extends outward from outer surface 122 about each opening 130 and 132. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, border 134 circumscribes each opening 130 and 132. In the exemplary embodiment, each border 134 provides structural strength and reinforcement to each opening 130 and 132. Border 134 also facilitates retaining band 104 within openings 130 and 132 as described in more detail below.

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, display member 102 includes indicia 128 displayed thereon across surface 122. In one embodiment, the indicia 128 communicates a phrase. For example, indicia 128 may include, but is not limited to including, printed text, designs, figures, ornamentation, and/or any combination thereof, that attract attention, enables a user to read indicia 128 while wearing bracelet assembly 100 and/or that reminds the user of something not to be, or to be, forgotten. In the exemplary embodiment, indicia 128 extends between openings 130 and 132. In an alternative embodiment, indicia 128 may extend over any surface such as, but not limited to surfaces 122 or 124, and/or portion of assembly 100 that enables assembly 100 to function as described herein. For example, in an alternative embodiment, band 104 includes indicia 128.

In the exemplary embodiment, display member 102 also includes at least one slot 136 defined therein. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, slot 136 is substantially linear and extends a length L₅ between an opening 130 and 132 and an outer side 114, 116, 118, or 120 of display member 102. Slot 136 has a width W₂ measured between opposing surfaces 122 or 124, and extends at an angle θ with respect to side 118. In the exemplary embodiment, angle θ is an acute angle. In an alternative embodiment, slot 136 may be oriented at any angle θ and have any size, shape, and/or configuration that enables bracelet assembly 100 to function as described herein. Moreover, in an alternative embodiment, display member 102 may include any number of slots 136 that enables bracelet assembly 100 to function as described herein. For example, display member 102 may include additional slots 136 extending from opening 130 and/or additional slots 137 extending from opening 132.

In the exemplary embodiment, band 104 is fabricated from a stretchable material, such as natural rubber or elastic material such that band 104 is flexible. For example, band 104 may be twisted and/or turned as band 104 is coupled to display member 102 as described in more detail below. In the exemplary embodiment, band 104 is a continuous loop that has a diameter D₂. More specifically, band 104 is sized to enable at least a portion of band 104 to be inserted through slot 136 and/or openings 130 and/or 132. In an alternative embodiment, band 104 is fabricated from a plurality of segments coupled together. In one embodiment, band 104 includes a mechanism (not shown) that enables the length of band 104 to be adjusted to accommodate individuals having different sized wrists and/or ankles to wear bracelet assembly 100. Alternatively, band 104 may be fabricated from any material that enables assembly 100 to function as described herein. For example, band 104 may be fabricated from, but is not limited to being fabricated from, cloth, yarn, synthetic rubber, and/or any combination thereof.

FIG. 5 is an assembled view of bracelet assembly 100. During assembly, band 104 is removably coupled to display member 102. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, band 104 is folded over itself, such that band 104 has length L₆ extending between a first end 146 and a second end 148. First end 146 is inserted through opening 132 until a first loop 150 and a second loop 152 are each formed. A portion of loop 150 is then inserted through loop 152 and loop 150 is pulled in a direction 154, away from display member 102, until loop 152 is secured to display member 102. End 146 of band 104 is then inserted into opening 130 by sliding loop 150 through slot 136. Band 104 is then slid from side 118 towards opening 130 until band 104 is securely coupled within portion 133. As such, a loop 156 is defined in band 104 when band 104 is fully coupled to display member 102. A user 158 may insert their hand 160 through loop 156 such that bracelet assembly 100 is secured to the user's wrist 162. While wearing bracelet assembly 100, user 158 may pull a portion of band 104 a distance away from wrist 162 and let the rubber band snap against their wrist.

FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of bracelet assembly 100. In an alternative embodiment, display member 102 includes openings 130 and 132 and slots 136 and 137, respectively. Generally, slot 137 is similar to slot 136, and like components are identified with like reference numerals. Slot 137 forms an angle γ with side 118 wherein angle γ is an acute angle. In an alternative embodiment, angle γ is any size angle. During assembly, a portion of band 104 is slid through slot 136 towards opening 130, and a portion of band 104 is slid through slot 137 towards opening 132. Band 104 is slid through slots 136 and 137 in direction 154, away from display member 102, until band 104 is securely coupled within openings 130 and 132. When band is coupled to display member 102, band 104 forms loop 156. In this embodiment, a portion of band 104 extends along a portion and is substantially adjacent to second surface 124.

The above-described bracelet assembly may act as a reminder to individuals. At least some individuals may pull a portion of the bracelet or rubber band away from their wrist and let the rubber band snap against their wrist. For example, some individuals may snap the bracelets as a nervous habit, while others may snap the bracelet as a reminder to stay focused and to prevent their minds from wandering. As such, the above-described bracelet is a suitable replacement for users that typically wear rubber bands around their wrist as a self-imposed reminder. However, over time, the stretchable portions of such bracelets may break, wear out, or lose their stretchable characteristics. As such, the above-described bracelet assembly enables a user may easily replace the band and/or display member restoring the bracelet assembly to its original configuration. Also, the above-described bracelet assembly may display a multitude of slogans, advertisements, and ornamentation that are commercially available. As such, if the individual wants to display different indicia, the user may easily replace the band and/or the display member.

An exemplary embodiment of a bracelet assembly is described above in detail. The bracelet assembly illustrated is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the assembly may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims. 

1. A method of assembling a bracelet, said method comprising: providing a display member having a first end, a second end, and at least two openings defined therein; providing at least one band having a first end and a second end; and coupling the at least one band to the display member such that one end of the band is inserted into each of the at least two openings and such that a loop is formed around the second end of the display member.
 2. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least two openings include a first opening and a second opening, said method further comprising folding the band over itself prior to coupling the at least one band to the display member.
 3. A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein the member further includes a slot defined therein and extending from one of the at least two openings to at least one outer edge of the display member, said method further comprises sliding the band first end through the slot towards the first opening until the band first end is coupled within the first opening.
 4. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising inserting the band first end through the first opening until at least two additional loops are formed in the band.
 5. A method in accordance with claim 4 further comprising inserting a first of the additional loops through a second of the additional loops to securely couple the at least one band to the display member.
 6. A method of assembling a bracelet, said method comprising: providing a display member having a first end, a second end, and at least two openings defined therein; providing at least one band having a first end and a second end; and coupling the at least one band to the display member such that one end of the band is inserted into one of the at least two openings and the other end of the band is inserted into a second of the at least two openings.
 7. A method in accordance with claim 6 wherein the display member includes a first slot extending from a first opening of the at least two openings and a second slot extending from a second opening of the at least two openings, said method further comprises sliding the band first end through the first slot and sliding the band second end through the second slot until the first and second ends are securely coupled within the at least two openings.
 8. A bracelet assembly comprising: a display member comprising a body extending from a first end to an opposite second end, said body comprises at least two openings defined therein; and at least one band comprising a first end and a second end, said at least one band is configured to be coupled to said display member such that one of said band first and second ends is inserted into each of said at least two openings, and such that a loop is formed around said display member second end.
 9. A bracelet assembly in accordance with claim 8 wherein said display member comprises at least one outer edge extending between said display member first end and said second ends, said display member further comprises a slot extending from a first opening of said at least two openings to said at least one outer edge.
 10. A bracelet assembly in accordance with claim 9 wherein said slot extends at an acute angle with respect to said at least one outer edge.
 11. A bracelet assembly in accordance with claim 9 wherein said display member further comprises a second slot extending from said second opening to said at least one outer edge.
 12. A bracelet assembly in accordance with claim 11 wherein said second slot extends at an acute angle from said at least one outer edge.
 13. A bracelet assembly in accordance with claim 8 wherein said display member further comprises an outer surface and a raised border extending outward from said outer surface, said border substantially circumscribes said outer surface.
 14. A bracelet assembly in accordance with claim 13 wherein said display member further comprises at least one raised border extending outward from said outer surface about said at least two openings.
 15. A bracelet assembly in accordance with claim 8 wherein said display member is fabricated from at least one of a metal material, a composite material, a plastic material, and a paper material.
 16. A bracelet assembly in accordance with claim 8 wherein said at least one band is fabricated from a material having high elasticity.
 17. A bracelet assembly in accordance with claim 8 wherein at least one of said display member and said at least one band comprise indicia thereon.
 18. A bracelet assembly in accordance with claim 8 wherein a mechanism is coupled to said band to adjust the length of said at least one band. 